Empowering Musicians Across Montana and Wyoming
01.
Fair Wage Advocacy
Local 709 advocates for fair wages and ethical treatment, ensuring musicians receive proper compensation and clear expectations in their contracts. Members can access support within the Local, other Local unions across the country, and specialized divisions within the Federation.
02.
Access to Contracts
Joining Local 709 grants musicians access to AFM-negotiated contracts that cover live performances, sound recordings, and more, providing vital standards for pay and working conditions. Freelance artists can also take advantage of union-backed contracts for Local or traveling engagements.
03.
Performance Opportunities
Members can access paid performance opportunities through the Music Performance Trust Fund, which supports live community performances in various public venues, promoting music while providing valuable work for our musicians. More information is available on the MPTF website.
04.
Cross-Border Support
The AFM offers support for musicians performing across the U.S.-Canada border, assisting with visas and necessary permits for touring and recording.
Our Process for Supporting Musicians
Fair Pay Negotiation & Collective Bargaining
The AFM safeguards musicians’ rights at work by negotiating and enforcing contracts for higher wages and better working conditions, protecting intellectual property and restricting the misuse of artificial intelligence in music, empowering musicians to have a voice in their workplaces, and defending musicians against abuse, including unfair treatment and dismissal. Agreements cover TV programs, cable TV, independent films, and video games, and more recently, AFM members have secured groundbreaking contracts providing royalties for digital transmissions and recordings of live performances. This all starts with the input of musicians like you!
Royalty Collections & Distribution
The AFM & SAG‑AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund collects and pays out performance royalties to musicians and singers who worked on eligible sound recordings and film or TV projects. Performers do not sign up—royalties are title‑driven and distributed once credited contributors are identified. U.S. royalties are paid regardless of union membership, while some foreign royalties require AFM or SAG‑AFTRA membership.
See if you have any unclaimed royalties by visiting the Fund’s website.
Community Engagement
We foster community engagement by organizing public performances and connecting musicians to diverse local audiences, while advocating for respect for our profession.
AFM & Employers’ Pension Fund — A Benefit That Builds Your Future
The American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM‑EPF) is a defined‑benefit, multi‑employer pension plan created to provide retirement income for professional musicians who work under AFM contracts. Your pension benefit is in addition to Social Security and personal savings and is earned through your work—not paid out of your pocket.
